Wednesday, March 25, 2015

WIP Wednesday - Extra

People sometimes ask why I make things, such as when I opted to make GT's Geranium dress instead of heading off to the mall to buy her one. The truth is... I'm a maker. I like making stuff. I like to proudly say "I made it myself" when people comment on one of my projects.

But there's another reason... one I alluded to in my post about GT's dress. It's corny and dorky and sappy... not really adjectives I'd use to describe myself. But here it is.

There's extra love sewn in.

When there is someone in need of healing or comfort or a miracle or whatever, I want to make it better. I want to make them something - a little something, a big something, something. I think about that person all through making the item. I send them positive thoughts as I sew.

There's extra love sewn in.

And that's why I started a new project this week instead of tackling one more item on The List. It's not my story to tell, but a friend needs something... and a quilt is what I can give beyond words of support.

I cut a big 'ole pile of 5 inch squares in Kona Pearl Pink. Pink? Yes, pink. Remember - this one's not for me, dear reader.
 And I cracked into two Moda Charm Packs I had hanging around. I know, I know.... more pink.
To achieve good scrappy distribution, I used the Shake n' Bake method. Toss those squares in a bin with a lid and shake. (Insert Taylor Swift song here.)
This Charm Pack had me fooled with that pink & orange print on top. I found quite a few prints that were more my style in the pack.
 Slicing up the nine patches... scary but satisfying.
I love how quickly this pattern (Charm Pack Cherry - a free pattern from Fat Quarter Shop) comes together. Before too long, the blocks were up on the design wall ready to be sewn together.
What? A WIP Wednesday Finish? Yup. Well, at least the top's finished. Which is good since I'd love for this quilt to get to it's forever home as soon as possible - with as much love sewn in as possible.
That's honestly how high the snow bank on the side of our driveway. The quilt's not huge, but even still! We're about done with winter in these parts...


J

P.S. I'm linking up today with Let's Bee Social @ Sew Fresh Quilts, as well as WIP Wednesday @ Freshly Pieced . Pop on over and see what everyone's working on this week!





15 comments:

  1. I totally get wanting to 'sew in' extra love! (I think it works, too :-) It's a cheery quilt and I'm sure your friend will treasure it (and you)

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  2. Love it. Guess it's time for me to get on board with the Charm Pack Cherry...

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  3. Love.
    This is what it all boils down to...

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  4. I totally believe in the love that I sew into my projects. I gifted a quilt to close friends for their wedding, and she tells me on a regular basis how loved she feels when she naps under it *swoon*. Magic to a makers heart, I tell you.

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  5. We may have been separated at birth ... that extra love sewn in is exactly where my blog name came from ... and I'm learning to endure pink too!

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  6. There is room for way more pink in there! Big pink hugs for your friend.

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  7. Quilting love into what we make. It's what we do. And you do it sew well, Jenn. Hope spring soon arrives to cheer you with the warmth you show in what you make for those you love.

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  8. Lovely quilt, Jenn. Every stitch is a labour of love.

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  9. I think if you asked most makers, whether we cop to being sappy or not, you'd get a similar response about the love in our creations. :-)

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  10. Yes, yes, yes. You said it! I have the same reaction when something happens--time to make something, with oodles of love, prayers, positive thoughts, sympathy--whatever may be needed-- stitched into every millimeter of it. We makers gotta make! <3 May this quilt wrap your friend in love and whatever it is (s)he needs!

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  11. Perfect reason for making something and you are spot on! I love what you are doing and WHY you are doing what you are doing. I believe the receiver will forever be wrapped in your warm hugs, thoughts and prayers!

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  12. I completely understand making something out of love. Some people cook but we like to sew. I made a quilt for a distant cousin who I've only met once when we were 12, to help bring her comfort while she was battling ovarian cancer. I can't tell you the exact moment that I was bought to this decision. We all want to help heal in someone's time of need. I believe that the receiver of this quilt will be forever grateful and comforted by this precious gift. That is the most rewarding gift someone can give :)

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  13. Someone referred to these love quilts this week as "emergency hugs." That's so true. I hope this quilt gave lots of loving hugs to the recipient.

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